Hi excellentjeni, 

I love hearing from you and am so happy that your injuries are not serious.  I bet your 8 mile run did feel great and gave you quite a feeling of accomplishment.  

Keep up the great work and continue to challenge yourself, and listening to your body!   That is the best thing you can do for yourself!  

I look forward to seeing you reach your goals. 

I know that you are making a huge impact on your family! 

Your friend in health, 

Kelli

Here's my weekly check-in!

First off, I am HATING the time change. I wake up at 5:30 to get a run in and it is pitch black. Monday I just could not do it! I did not see feeling any better at the end (which is what usually motivates me). It was cold and dark. Ugh. The good news is that after work I did my four miles. My boys are 8 and almost 11 so they are okay if I just run around the block. I measured with my car and it takes 3 "laps" around the block to make a mile so I went around 12 times. I tell my kids if they need me to look out the door and wait because I'll be coming around the block in 4 minutes or less.

Tomorrow we are supposed to have some awful arctic chill with single digit temps in the morning. I think I'll be hitting the fitness center for the treadmill or track. That track gets dizzying though if you are doing long distances as it is 12 times around for just ONE mile. But if the treadmills are packed I will do it.

I am starting to feel my Achilles get a little achey again so I'm stretching like crazy and doing some modified forms of the exercises I did in physical therapy. I don't have all the equipment (balance board, bosu, foam blocks, etc.) that they used but I have some stuff (step, resistance band) and adapt the rest.

I find that the first 30 minutes of a run are not so enjoyable for me. After that, I get into a groove and feel like I can go forever (although that feeling does not last forever unfortunately).

I have also gained back a pound. What to contribute that to? Increased snacking due to increased hunger leading to increased hunger? This being PMS week? Increase in muscle mass due to regular running? I guess if it can be all those things one pound is not bad. I would really love to see 150 again but I find if I focus to much on the numbers I end up going the wrong way with it. I have learned that the hard way. So I check the numbers but I focus on how I feel, how I am getting healthier and stronger, how my clothes fit better, how I am still learning and mistakes are part of the process and all that good stuff.

Whew, this time I wrote a novel. It's good to know someone reads this on the other end so thanks, Kelli!!!

E

 Hi Excellentjeni,

It sounds like you're doing great, with the exception of your achilles flair up, with your exercise program.  It's really good that you're not letting your dislike of the time change affect your daily sessions.  You're also doing a great job of finding alternatives,like running around the block and going to the fitness center, for the days when you can't do your normal activities. 

You should definitely keep doing your stretching to help your achey Achilles. 

Don't worry about the pound you've gained!  Like you stated, there can be many reasons why you gained that pound.  The important ting is that you don't let it slow you down or affect your motivation. The journey your on could have plateaus and slight set-backs on it, but keep forging ahead and you will achieve your ultimate fitness goals!

Good Luck,

Paul

Thanks, Paul.

One more week gone by and I'm still plugging away. I did 2 miles Monday and am doing 7 miles today. The 7-miler is scheduled for Wednesday but I have a workshop all day and can't do it then so today it is. I must be flexible!

My body feels good... no aches and pains this week. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

I lost that pesky pound again but no more. I am one pound away from my next goal and wish I would reach it already but all in good time.

I'm so used to Kelli responding. Hope shes' well.

You have a good week!

E

 Hi E,

It's so exciting to hear about your progress each week.  I was just re-reading your psots and I must say, you have accomplished a LOT over the peast several weeks.  I encourage you to revuiew them as well for some motivation. 

It's great that you are feeling good and pain-free.  Do take precautions though to make sure you do what you can to prevent one (stretching, aspirin, ice, etc.)

I'm sure you're anxious to get rid of that last pount and to achieve another fitness goal.  You'll get there! Seven miles is a good run and will burn plenty of calories and fat.  Are you also incorporating strength training into your weekly regime?  You should be for ultimate fat burning. 

Keep me posted and keep up the awesome commitment.

Good Luck,

Paul

Thanks, Paul.

I did reread my posts and I am motivated! I went out the morning for an 8-miler. It was 39 degrees and quite windy. I don't know what it was with the windchill but I'm guessing 20-something. It was a strong wind! I did some fartleks (gotta love that word) and really enjoyed it. I usually do not like speed work.

I do strength training sporadically. I know I should do it more often but it's just not excited for me. I try to do it while watching TV at home as I have a small supply of weights. Yoga is another thing I know I need but only do once in a while. I need all the flexibility (and strentgh) I can get.

I still feel really good :-) :-) :-) <---- can you tell I'm so happy about that?!

Five and a half weeks until the race! I can do it!

E

 Hi E,

Yes you can do it and you will do it!  Great job on the run on the really cold day.  Doesn't it feel good when you're done and you know you accomplished the run despite the conditions?  Good for you. 

Keep me posted on your progress and continue to stay motivated and focused!

Good Luck,

Paul

Weekly update.

I have reached goal weight #2! Woo hoo! 16 lbs down. It's taken 7 1/2 months but I got there. Now to work towards reaching my next goal. I made the next goal shorter (4 more pounds) to give myself gratification a little sooner! This goal took so long to reach.

My longest run so far is 9 miles. I've done it a couple times and all went well. Saturday I did a 9-miler on the indoor track at the fitness center. The weather here in Chicago has been crazy. We got snow and rain and cold. The sidewalks were slick and I had spent 1.5 hours outside the night before watching one my kids do baseball practice in 33 deg weather. Just standing there it got cold. I was sick of being cold so indoors it was. The crazy thing is that it is 12 times around the track for a mile. Yes, that means I went around 108 times! I ran 9 laps, walked one, ran 9, walked 1, until I was done.

Just over one month until race day! :-)

E

 Hi E,

Congratulations on reaching your second goal! 

Having your next goal be 4 lbs. is a good idea.  The gratification will be such a motivator.

I love the fact that you didn't let the cold weather kill your motivation!  I also love the fact that you had the tenacity to do 108 LAPS!  WOW 

You are on such a path of success, keep up the good work.

Good Luck,
Paul

Quick update.

My longest run in now 10 miles. We had beautiful weather Saturday (here that means 35-45 degrees and mostly sunny with 10-20 mph winds). I ran 11 minutes, walked 1, ran 11, walked 1, etc. etc. etc. One hour, 55 minutes and 34 seconds later I was done. (I told you I wasn't fast!) Anyway, it was awesome! I didn't even start to feel tired until 7.6 miles or so. I now KNOW I can do the half in a month. Hey, it's only 5K more than what I did Saturday!

Weight is the same but eventually the scale will move. I'll just keep plugging away.

E

Hi excellentjeni, 

Congrats on your long run!  That is a great accomplishment, no matter how long it took you!  Way to go! 

Keep up the hard work, make sure that you're staying on top of your eating regimen to stay healthy and prepared for the half marathon.  Getting in plenty of sleep, nutrient-dense foods, plenty of water and a good multi-vitamin will carry you right to the place you need to be to cross that finish line with success!

Don't fret about the weight.  You are right that it will come off ~ stay the course and keep us updated! 

Take care, 

Kelli

Thanks!

It's been a couple weeks and things are progressing. I did another 10-miler Saturday. Then I did 2 miles Monday. Tomorrow (Wednesday) I have another 10-miler and an 11-miler Sunday. After that it's just a few shorter runs (none longer than 5 or 6 I think) and on May 3 the big day for the half marathon.

One more pound came off. Three more to go to reach my next goal. What's scary is that when I reach that goal on the one hand I will be thrilled. On the other hand I remember when reaching that weight meant I had gained 25 pounds from my lowest weight and I felt so fat. It's all relative I guess.

I realize that when I go at my weight loss and lifestyle with a feeling of negativity about how I am now then it backfires. Once I accept how I am now and fully believe that even if I never lose another pound I am fine the way I am then I push forward much easier. Keeping that balance between accepting and loving the way I am now and yet wanting to be at a different place is difficult. It's a balance beam path I walk and I do fall off sometimes. I always get back on though.

E

Hi exellentjeni, 

Wow, you're doing such a great job... what an accomplishment you've already achieved. 

Your attitude is so awesome and is inspiring and honest.  I, too, believe that in order to continue to make positive progress, you've got to be positive.  Love yourself right where you are, but don't settle for anything but your best, either.  You've got so much energy and strength and you can achieve weight loss if you desire it.  More than that, you've achieved physical strength and endurance ~ all the health benefits that come with that in the form of cardiovascular health and the decreased risk of chronic illnesses! You're giving yourself life. 

That said, no, don't let the # on the scale bring you the satisfaction.  Although it is a good indicator of your progress, it is truly only one piece of the picture.  Keep everything in perspective no matter what you weigh. You're still the same person...now only healthier, stronger, more determined and Yes! A great inspiration. 

Keep it up girl! 

Best to you, 

Kelli

Thank you, Kelli.

My 11 mile run did not turn out the way I planned it. It had been raining all night. In the morning it was dreary and grey and even though the forecast said "isolated thunderstorms" I figured they'd be isolated somewhere else not in my  neighborhood! I don't mind running in a drizzle or light rain so wasn't too worried. I headed out. For the first 3+ miles all is well. Then the on and off drizzle/light rain turns to the skies opening up and pouring buckets. I was drenched through and through. I was a couple blocks from the police station so I ran there squishing and squashing in my soaked running shoes and took refuge. I waited 20 minutes before I realized this wasn't letting up anytime soon. The rain kept going from downpour to steady rain back to downpour but never back to drizzle or light rain. My husband and kids were 20 miles away so I called a friend. I'd done about 3.5 miles.

The conversation went something like this: Me: "Hey, I have a big favor to ask. Can you pick me up at the police station?" Her: "OMG! What happened?!" LOL. I explained, she came after dropping her kids off at swimming (they were on their way there... indoor, of course!). We went back to the community center where both swimming and a track are. Luckily, I'd brought my membership card, thinking if it started raining hard I would hopefully make it there. Well, I didn't quite make it there as it's about 5 miles to there. I ran another 3.1 on the track before it was time for them to leave. Then they drove me home. It was now raining only lightly but there was thunder and lightning. I showered, dressed at lunch and then... the sun came out! Ahhhhh.

My family was due home within 30 minutes and then an hour after that we were headed to the Museum of Science and Industry to see the Harry Potter exhibit. We didn't get home until after 7 pm. So, I got 6.6 miles done instead of 11. That night I slept terribly. I must've woken up two dozen times due to sore throat, loud wind blowing, child coughing (asthma), another child jumping into my bed and kicking me unintentionally, having to go to to the bathroom, etc. etc. etc. I woke up feeling like crap. I was supposed to do 2 miles but passed it up. I had a meeting in the morning. I stopped at Jamba Juice to get a smoothie with immunity boost (didn't want that sore throat turning into anything else), went to the meeting, went home and went to bed for 4 hours (I only woke up once). Got up, kids got home, back to the routine. Thank goodness I didn't have a full work day. I am feeling much better today but feel my time of the month coming on and all the physical discomfort that comes with it. The odds were stacked against me these past few days.

Hopefully, all will be well Wednesday for my 5-miler and then Sunday for the actual 13.1 miles. So 10 is the longest run I've done. Not ideal but it'll have to do.

Oh, and another pound down! Yahoo!

E

Hey excellentjeni, 

Sorry to hear that you didn't have the kind of day that you had anticipated.  But, not to worry or get discouraged!  Life happens, right? There are going to be days and times that it just doesn't go as planned or as hoped for.  The best thing that you can do in those situations is to go with the flow!  Especially when you know you're not feeling 100%.  The most important thing is to allow yourself to rest and recover.  You'll perform even better in the end if you take care of yourself. 

Good luck this weekend!  I know you'll do great!  

Stay well, 

Kelli